It’s hard to make new friends as an adult, period. As a new mom, those relationships can be even harder to form and cement. You’re dealing with a total lifestyle change, which may cause your old friends to have difficulty relating, and it’s not like you can easily join pals at the bars. Being a mom can be incredibly lonely, even if you have baby tethered to you 24/7. You need friendship and outside support — for your mental health alone.

Here are some tips on how to make friends as a new mom.

  1. Venture out to the park.

Sure, maybe the last thing you want to do as a new mama is schlep you and your baby (and all their accessories) to the park. But not only is it good for you to get some fresh air, you might just meet some other moms who are out there doing the same thing that you are. Most often, mothers at local parks will be more than eager to talk and exchange contact information when you approach them. Additionally, they likely live in your neighborhood, which makes it easier to get together again.

  1. Visit the local library.

Many libraries conduct parent-baby storytime sessions you can join. Not only is this an enriching experience for your little one, but you’ll be able to meet other parents who are came by for story time as well. If your library isn’t an option, check online and see if your local museum or YMCA is offering similar learning sessions.

  1. Join a parent-baby class.

Even if you are an introvert, joining a parent-baby class can be beneficial, whether it be family music classes or a breastfeeding group. You can find many of these by searching online, checking with your local library, surfing through the local newspaper, or asking your pediatrician. Having a place to go and spend some time away from sleeping and nursing your baby once a week with other parents who understand this new stage is a wonderful way for you to bond with others. It also helps to know that you aren’t alone in this journey.

  1. Go online.

There are so many resources for new moms, including trulymama.com, which is an online community for new moms. There, you’ll find advice, parenting tips, product reviews, and more! Truly Mama also has a Facebook group, where you can engage with other moms online.

  1. Try therapy.

Okay, so your therapist may not be your “friend,” but as a new mom, finding a therapist who can help you with your postpartum journey can be incredibly beneficial. So many moms suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety. Instead of letting yourself be consumed by this, seek professional help. With Therapy is an online service that will pair you with the best, closest therapist based on your personal needs.

Therapy is an important form of self-care, and now is the time to invest in some. A great therapist will give you the emotional tools to deal with some of the things you’re struggling with (anxiety, depression, exhaustion, anger, resentment, etc.). If you let that bottle up, eventually you’ll explode. So take some time to invest in your mental health.

Everybody has their own ups and downs in the journey of parenthood. Having someone reassure you that it’s normal and that you are doing a great job can be a great motivation — whether that comes from a friend or your therapist. Be brave and make the first move. You will soon have your own mama tribe of cool ladies.